Chelsea have announced that new signing João Félix will take the No.14 shirt at Stamford Bridge, a number previously worn by Trevoh Chalobah. Félix’s arrival was confirmed earlier on Wednesday, with the Portuguese forward joining in a deal worth around £44.5 million. In a corresponding move, Conor Gallagher has departed for Atlético Madrid.

Félix is no stranger to the No.14 shirt, having worn it during his loan spell at Barcelona last season. During his previous stint with Chelsea in 2023, he sported the No.11 shirt. This time, his new squad number at Stamford Bridge signifies a fresh start under the Chelsea banner.

In addition to Félix, Chelsea’s summer signing Pedro Neto has been assigned the No.7 shirt, which Raheem Sterling wore last season. The club confirmed these changes in a statement, notably omitting any mention of Chalobah or Sterling, both of whom have been told they can find new clubs this summer.

Chalobah, Sterling, and Ben Chilwell are among the players reportedly encouraged to seek moves away from Chelsea as part of a squad overhaul. Manager Enzo Maresca addressed the situation on Wednesday, stating, “Until they are Chelsea players, they want to be Chelsea players. We have a big squad and it is impossible to give them all minutes. If they are looking for minutes, then it is better if they leave. If they do not leave, then they have a contract here and they are Chelsea players.”

As the new season approaches, Félix will aim to make an immediate impact at Chelsea, bringing the talent and flair that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards. Meanwhile, Chalobah and Sterling face uncertain futures as they consider their options away from Stamford Bridge.